How Solar PV Works

The Generation Game - Solar PV North West

Solar PV Panels are an assembly of solar PV cell modules. These solar cells are made up of semi-conductor materials (including silicon). Daylight is absorbed by the solar PV panels that then convert the solar power into electricity (in the form of direct current or DC). This DC current is converted to alternating current (AC) using an inverter. The electricity is now ready for consumption in the house or for export back to the National Grid.

It is worth mentioning that it is not just energy from the sun that is converted to electricity using solar PV panels, but light also. So solar panels work on a cloudy day, although their effectiveness would be reduced slightly.

The solar panels will typically be fitted onto a Southerly facing roof at an angle between 30 and 50 degrees in order to maximise efficiency from the light / sunlight.

Besides the intensity of light, the quality of the PV panels is an important factor determining the amount of electricity that is produced. The PV systems carry a peak power rating which is defined as the amount of power produced under 1KW per square metres of light. This rating determines the efficiency of the solar panels and is used to calculate the size of the array needed to produce the amount of electricity required.

You should therefore only purchase the panels through a certified manufacturer.